What We’re Watching

If you promise not to judge, please continue reading. Sometimes we do like to give our work brains a rest, and often that includes watching some good ol’ boob tube. Instead of bucketing our picks by usual-suspect categories like RomCom or Cat Video (boring), we decided to present you with real-life scenarios to help you choose your next guilty pleasure. Enjoy.

I’m sick, and I believe that laughter is the best medicine.
• Silicon Valley (TV series): “I would pay thousands of dollars for a transcript of their writers’ room conversations. Brilliant plotting, lovable characters and the slyest satire since The Office.” – Andy Pasquesi, ACD/CW
• Man Stroke Woman (TV series): “Although this BBC import is several years old, it might be the best sketch comedy show I’ve ever seen.” – Andy Pasquesi, again
• Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (TV series): “Satan-worshipping guidance counselor = comedy gold.” – Andy Pasquesi, who is apparently the only one in this office that’s a fan of laughter and merriment

I just bought a big, comfy couch, and sitting too far back in it is hurting my posture. I need something to get me on the edge of my loveseat.
• Mr. Robot (TV series): “What the world would look like if hackers infiltrated top financial companies. Easy to binge watch.” – Brooke Kinkaid, Digital Project Manager
• Legion (TV series): “The first season just ended, and it’s a trip. The show is about an extremely powerful but slightly schizophrenic mutant in the X-Men universe, and it’s directed like the result of a one-night stand between an action movie and an art-school film.” – Zach Frazer, Writer

I just installed a new security system in my home, all of the doors and windows are securely locked, and I’m feeling far too safe right now. Give me a good scare.
• Lake Mungo (Movie): “Zero gore. Zero violence. Zero monsters. And so damn scary it still gives me goosebumps.” - Andy Pasquesi, who evidently likes to pepper screams into his laughter
• Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared (OLVs): “I adore the childlike terror of this animated series. If you want to see how evil time is or be reminded that green is not a creative color, watch these.” - Cole Stevens, Writer

I’m dead inside, and I just want to feel something.
• Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight (Movies): “I love this series of films directed and written by Richard Linklater. Each film is 9 years apart and features the same cast. Interesting to see how their relationships develop throughout the three movies.” - Brooke Kinkaid
• Ikiru (Movie): “An individual’s quest to convert an insignificant patch of dirt into a remarkable playground. Sounds blasé, but in Kurosawa’s hands it becomes an epic serving of ‘Carpe diem.’” - Nate Burgos, Communications Specialist

What did you say? Did you just call me a drama queen?! WHATEVER. I’m just going to go watch one of my shows.
• Unreal (TV series): “If you participate in the guilty pleasure that is The Bachelor, you’ll love this scripted drama about the insanity that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that each episode is a total train wreck.” - Cindy Gapinski, Account Supervisor
• 13 Reasons Why (TV series): “A show about a high-school student who kills herself and leaves behind 13 tapes explaining what led to her suicide. It’s suspenseful, moody and shows the reach that hate/bullying can have on one person’s life as well as those around them.” - Rob Schulz, Designer
• Big Little Lies (TV series): “If you like bitchy mom drams, it’s a yes.” - Lisa Ferriter, Director of Client Services

I’m hungry, I know how to confit things, and I subscribe to the belief that the only reward for anything in life is food.
• Chef’s Table (TV series): “Perhaps this series could be off-putting to some, as it typically features ultra-expensive restaurants that most people can’t afford. But the camera work and storytelling is fantastic, and for me, eating and drinking at places of culinary genius is a form of escapism.” - Tracy West, Group Creative Director

I need something to see me through to the next Star Trek series—even if it’s not canon.
• Star Trek fan film (YouTube. Where else?): “It’s not canon, but something needs to see me through to the next series.” - Adam Innes, Senior PHP Developer